Baby Cactus

Buy all the cacti!

Bought our very first cacti. I have no idea where to put them or how to care for them but I’m looking forward to figuring it out.

Angel Wings

How cute is this! Every time I looked at it I thought of something Disney or of Totoro, another cute animated character. Two ears have already fallen off between us purchasing it at the store and bringing it home but it sounds like that’s how it propagates. I was so excited about my new cacti I stupidly picked up one of the fallen ears which promptly bit my index finger. The spines are so tiny and essentially invisible that I haven’t been able to remove them, even with duct-tape. I’m going to try a pumice stone shortly.

Angels Wings (Opuntia microdasys albata)

Native to Mexico, forms shrubs up to 18″ with many tiers of oval flattened “pads” or “bunny ears.” Take care not to touch “glochids” (dots of minute spines that detach and can cause irritation to the skin and eyes). Yellow blooms in spring. Protect from frost. Provide bright light/sun; hardy to 32F.

I should of read this warning a bit sooner. #sigh

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Grafted Cactus

These are called grafted cacti and the colorful heads do appear to have been grafted onto the body of the cactus but I will have to research them to know for sure. The colorful heads are fun.

Cactus Moon Grafted ‘Hibotan’ or ‘Moon Cactus’

Gymnocalycium mihanovichii friedrichii ‘Rubra’ is commonly known as ‘Hibotan’ or ‘Moon Cactus.’ This variant ocurs when the plant lacks chlorophyll and the body color manifests as beautiful ruby red, rather than the typical green. Protect from frost. Provided filtered light; hard to 32F; 5″ tall. Water thoroughly when soil is dry.

 


Strawflower Cacti

Both of these cacti are labeled as Strawflower Cacti since they both grow a strawflower on top but they’re two different types: a golden barrel, and an old lady cactus. Cute!

Golden Barrel
Golden Barrel (Echinocactus grusonii)

 

Golden Barrel (Echinocactus grusonii)

Drought tolerant when established. Rugged tolerance of the elements. Yellow flowers appear at the crown. Needs well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Looks best with regular watering in hotter months.

Old Lady Cactus

This one is easy to remember because those flowers remind me of some lips smothered with lipstick.

Old Lady Cactus (Mammilaria hahniana)

Drought tolerant when established. Needs well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost to prevent possible scarring. Looks best with regular watering in hotter months.

 


Peruvian Old Lady

I love the hair on this cactus. Cacti are all so different which is probably why they fascinate me.

Peruvian Old Lady (Espostoa melanostele)
Peruvian Old Lady Close-up

Drought tolerant when established. Needs well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost to prevent possible scarring. Looks best with regular watering in hotter months.


Thimble Cactus

This little cluster was too cute to pass up. I love the texture of the spines. I have a feeling re-potting these things is going to be a pain.

Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria gracilis fragilis)

A charming, miniature Mammillaria native to Central Mexico. Tiny globular bodies are densely covered with interlaced white radial spines. Clusters prolifically to form large mats. Satiny creamy yellow flowers in late winter. Protect from frost to prevent scarring. Provide bright light. Hardy to 20F. Grows up to 4″ tall. Water thoroughly when soil is dry.

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